Written By: Mobin
From weaning onward, perform pretend vet exams daily rubbing toes, tails, and mouths to establish acceptance as routine handling.
Before reaching to touch dogs, offer high-value treats allowing them to shift focus to the positives and overcome minor discomfort.
Pet from behind gates allowing dogs to move closer or away, only progressing sessions at their preferred pace preventing overwhelm.
Gradually decrease distance between triggers and treats over multiple days as tolerance strengthens allowing closer interactions with support.
Use hand touches on markers as distraction redirecting attention plus secondary reinforcement once marking communicates safety is coming.
Soften frightening stimuli like clippers or nail trimmers by smothering them with delicacies creating positive associations through taste.
Even when progressing well, limit desensitizing sessions under 15 minutes since new neural pathways take extensive repetition.